Welcome to the ultimate guide for preparing a show-stopping ham in your Ninja Foodi! If you’re looking to serve a deliciously tender ham with a mouth-watering pineapple glaze this holiday season, all while keeping your oven free for other festive dishes, then you’ve come to the right place. Our Ninja Foodi ham recipe is not just a time-saver; it’s a game-changer, transforming ordinary ham into an extraordinarily juicy and flavorful centerpiece.

Forget the long hours of baking and constant basting. The pressure cooking function of your Ninja Foodi delivers an incredibly tender ham in a fraction of the time, infused with the sweet and tangy notes of a homemade pineapple glaze. This method is so efficient and delicious, it might just revolutionize your approach to Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion dinner for good. Get ready to impress your guests and savor every succulent bite!

Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Ham Recipe: Tender, Juicy, & Effortless

Years ago, I discovered the magic of cooking ham in an Instant Pot, and since then, I’ve adapted that same effortless technique for my beloved Ninja Foodi. The results? Pure perfection every single time. This recipe is destined to become your go-to for holiday meals, offering unmatched speed and a glaze that’s simply irresistible. I’ve experimented with two distinct methods to ensure your ham turns out phenomenal, regardless of whether you prefer it pre-sliced or whole. Both approaches promise incredible tenderness and flavor, and I’m excited to share them with you below.

When planning your holiday feast, consider the size of your ham. For a bone-in ham, which I often prefer for its deeper flavor, aim for about 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person. This ensures you have enough for generous servings and perhaps even some delicious leftovers. So, if you’re hosting a gathering of 10 people, a 5-pound ham is an ideal choice – precisely the size we’ll be focusing on in this comprehensive guide.

Why Choose Your Ninja Foodi for Ham?

The Ninja Foodi isn’t just a versatile kitchen appliance; it’s a culinary powerhouse, especially when it comes to cooking ham. Here’s why it stands out:

• Unbeatable Speed: Traditional oven-baked ham can take hours. With pressure cooking, your ham is ready in a fraction of the time, often under 30 minutes total cook time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Oven Freedom: During holidays, oven space is prime real estate. By cooking your ham in the Ninja Foodi, you free up your oven for roasted vegetables, casseroles, pies, or other essential side dishes.
• Exceptional Tenderness: Pressure cooking creates a moist, steamy environment that breaks down connective tissues rapidly, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone ham that’s never dry.
• Flavor Infusion: The sealed environment of the pressure cooker allows the ham to deeply absorb the rich flavors of the pineapple glaze, brown sugar, and honey, creating a more intense and complex taste.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in a single pot means less mess to deal with afterwards, a definite plus when entertaining.

Tips for Choosing and Preparing Your Ham

Selecting the right ham is the first step to a perfect meal. While a bone-in ham provides a richer flavor, a boneless ham can be easier to carve and calculate servings. For boneless ham, plan for approximately 1/4 to 1/3 pound per person. The images you see here feature a beautiful bone-in, smoked, pre-cooked ham, directly from a local farm. Many of you will purchase a quarter or half ham from your local grocery store, which works just as wonderfully.

The most crucial factor to consider is the size of your Ninja Foodi pot. My 6-quart pot comfortably fits a 5-pound ham. If your ham is larger, you might need to trim a piece off to ensure it fits properly and the lid can seal. Don’t worry, any trimmed pieces can still be cooked alongside the main ham to soak up all that delicious glaze!

It’s generally recommended to avoid buying pre-sliced or spiral-cut hams if you want the moistest results from pressure cooking. While convenient, the exposed slices of a spiral ham can lead to a slightly drier texture. Remember, most hams available are already pre-cooked and smoked, so your goal in the Ninja Foodi is simply to heat it through and infuse it with your delicious glaze, not to cook it from raw. The key is finding that perfect balance between heated and juicy.

For a 5-pound sliced ham, a 5-minute pressure cook time is usually sufficient. If your ham is unsliced, 10 minutes works best to ensure it’s heated through to the core. Always allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release after cooking to keep the ham moist and tender.

Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Ham

Crafting the perfect Ninja Foodi ham starts with understanding your ingredients:

• 5-Pound Ham: I typically use an unsliced, quartered, bone-in ham. As mentioned, most hams are precooked and smoked. If you opt for a spiral-sliced ham, expect slightly sweeter pieces due to better glaze penetration, but be mindful of potentially drier results if overcooked.
• Brown Sugar: At least 1/2 cup is essential, but I often go all out with a full cup for a richer, deeper sweetness in both the sauce and the ham itself. While I haven’t tested sugar-free alternatives, it’s certainly an option if you need to reduce sugar content.
• Crushed Pineapple: I highly recommend crushed pineapple over tidbits. Its finer consistency creates a more uniform glaze-like coating on the ham, enhancing every bite. You’ll find it readily available in cans alongside other fruits at your local grocery store.
• Honey: This ingredient adds a beautiful layer of sweetness and a sticky, caramelized finish. Maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions.
• Cornstarch (Optional): If you desire a thicker, gravy-like glaze to serve alongside your ham, cornstarch is your friend. For a gluten-free option, arrowroot powder works just as effectively.
• Water: A small amount of water creates the necessary liquid for pressure building and helps distribute the flavors.
• Whole Cloves (Optional): For an added aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the pineapple, a few whole cloves tucked into the ham can make a wonderful difference. Remember to remove them before serving!

You can certainly use your favorite ham glaze recipe with this method. Simply prepare your glaze in the Foodi using the sauté function, just as you would on a stovetop. The beauty of this is only having one pot to clean! My pineapple glaze recipe is included for those who, like us, adore the sweet and tangy combination. Whether you make yours less sweet or omit the glaze entirely, this method remains an exceptional way to cook pork quickly and to ultimate tenderness. Personally, I’m a fan of all things sweet, so the honey-infused version is my absolute favorite. The entire cooking process, including prep, takes approximately 20 minutes, offering a truly fast and flavorful solution.

For an extra touch, you can use the Ninja Foodi’s air fryer function at the end to crisp up the exterior of your ham, adding a delightful textural contrast.

Two Ways to Cook Ninja Foodi Ham: Sliced vs. Unsliced

I’ve tested this recipe extensively, and here are my two preferred methods, catering to different preferences and ham types:

Method 1: Ninja Foodi Ham with Sliced Ham (Without Honey)

This method works well if you have a pre-sliced ham or prefer to slice it yourself before cooking. However, be aware that slicing beforehand can expose more surface area, potentially leading to a slightly less moist result compared to an unsliced ham.

1. Place a trivet at the bottom of your Ninja Foodi pot. Pour 1/3 cup of water underneath the trivet.
2. Carefully place your sliced ham on top of the trivet.
3. Generously sprinkle brown sugar over the top and in between the slices of ham.
4. Pour an entire can of crushed pineapple (undrained) over the ham, ensuring it coats as many surfaces as possible.
5. Close the pressure cooker lid and seal the pressure release valve.
6. Pressure cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release. After 5 minutes, quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Immediately transfer the ham to a cutting board and generously pour some of the prepared pineapple glaze over it to help lock in moisture.

This method will still yield a delicious ham, but the slices are more exposed to the steam, which can make them a bit less moist. The following method, using an unsliced ham, is generally preferred for maximum juiciness.

Method 2: Ninja Foodi Ham with Unsliced Ham and Honey (Recommended for Juiciness)

This is my absolute favorite method for achieving the most tender and moist ham with a rich, sweet glaze. It ensures the ham retains its natural juices while absorbing all the wonderful flavors.

1. Pour 1/2 cup of brown sugar directly into the bottom of your Ninja Foodi pot. Add 1/3 cup of water.
2. Carefully lower your unsliced, pre-cooked, bone-in ham into the pot.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar generously over the top of the ham.
4. Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple (undrained) over the ham.
5. If using, gently push 3 whole cloves into the meat of the ham now (remember to remove them before serving).
6. Drizzle 1/4 cup of honey over the entire ham.
7. Close the pressure cooker lid and ensure the pressure release valve is sealed.
8. Select the “Pressure Cook” function, set to HIGH, and cook for 10 minutes.
9. Once cooking is complete, do NOT touch the steam valve. Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
10. Lift the ham out of the pot and transfer it to a cutting board to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
11. While the ham rests, proceed to make the pineapple glaze using the liquid remaining in the pot.

How to Make the Pineapple Glaze

The pineapple glaze is the crowning glory of this ham. It’s quick to make and elevates the flavor beautifully.

1. Once the ham is removed, keep the liquid in the Ninja Foodi pot. Select the “Sauté” function and set it to LOW.
2. In a small separate bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot liquid from the pot. Whisk vigorously until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry.
3. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering liquid in the Ninja Foodi pot. Immediately begin stirring continuously.
4. As soon as the glaze begins to thicken to your desired consistency, turn the pot off. This is a QUICK process, so move fast to prevent it from becoming too thick.
5. If the glaze becomes too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a little more pineapple juice or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
6. Transfer the glaze into a separate serving dish immediately to stop it from continuing to cook and thicken further.
7. Slice your ham and spoon the warm pineapple glaze generously over each serving, or offer it on the side for dipping. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, glazed ham!

For those who enjoy exploring different cooking methods, you might also be interested in trying a Dutch oven ham, or perhaps experimenting with an air fryer ham within your Foodi’s capabilities. While a slow cooker offers a different, longer cooking experience, this Ninja Foodi recipe is specifically designed for speed, ease, and that delightful oven-free convenience. It truly is a game-changer if you need a delicious ham ready in 25-30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas

A beautifully cooked Ninja Foodi ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted asparagus, sweet potato casserole, or a fresh garden salad. The rich, sweet, and savory flavors of the ham complement both hearty and lighter fare, making it a versatile center for any meal.

Don’t forget about the delicious possibilities for leftovers! Ham is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into countless meals. Some favorite ideas include:

• Ham Sandwiches or Sliders: Perfect for a quick lunch, especially with a bit of Dijon mustard or leftover glaze.
• Ham and Bean Soup: Use the ham bone (if you had a bone-in ham) and diced ham for a comforting, hearty soup.
• Ham and Cheese Omelets or Frittatas: A fantastic breakfast or brunch option.
• Ham Fried Rice: Dice ham and add it to your favorite fried rice recipe for an extra layer of flavor.
• Ham Croquettes: A delicious appetizer made with finely diced ham and a creamy béchamel sauce, breaded and fried.
• Split Pea Soup with Ham: Another classic comfort food that truly shines with savory ham.

Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover ham will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a frozen ham in the Ninja Foodi?

It’s generally not recommended to pressure cook a completely frozen ham as it can affect cooking time and the evenness of heating. For best results, thaw your ham completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

How can I make my ham crispier?

After pressure cooking, you can use the Ninja Foodi’s “Air Crisp” function. Transfer the ham to the air crisp basket, brush with more glaze if desired, and air crisp at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the exterior is beautifully caramelized and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Can I use other glazes instead of pineapple?

Absolutely! The Ninja Foodi pressure cooking method is adaptable to almost any ham glaze. Popular alternatives include brown sugar and mustard, apricot or orange marmalade, or a spicy brown sugar and bourbon glaze. Simply prepare your preferred glaze using the “Sauté” function in the Foodi or on the stovetop, and apply it before or after pressure cooking as desired.

My ham is too salty, what can I do?

Most hams are brined and can be quite salty. To mitigate this, some people choose to rinse the ham thoroughly under cold water before cooking. You can also balance the saltiness with extra sweetness in your glaze or by adding ingredients like apple cider or broth to the cooking liquid.

Can I double this recipe for a larger ham?

The main constraint for doubling this recipe is the size of your Ninja Foodi pot. If you have a larger Foodi (8-quart or more) and a ham that fits comfortably, you can increase the ingredients proportionally. However, ensure the pot is not overfilled past the max fill line for pressure cooking. You might also need to slightly increase the pressure cooking time if the ham is significantly larger.

Conclusion: Your Best Holiday Ham Yet

Cooking a ham doesn’t have to be an all-day affair that monopolizes your oven. With the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker, you can achieve a perfectly tender, succulent ham with a rich, flavorful pineapple glaze in record time. This recipe offers convenience, exceptional taste, and the freedom to enjoy your holidays without kitchen stress.

Whether it’s your first time trying a pressure cooker ham or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a quicker method, this Ninja Foodi ham with pineapple glaze is sure to become a cherished family favorite. Give it a try this season and discover the ease and deliciousness that awaits!